By Mayur Vijay
Pune, March 9, 2025 – The Women’s Day Exhibition, organized by CYDA and YouthAid Foundation with the support of the Coforge Volunteer Program, was a spectacular success. Held on March 8th and 9th at CreatiCity Mall, Pune, the event provided an empowering platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, skills, and creativity. The exhibition, featuring 20 dynamic stalls, served as a beacon of inspiration, fostering economic independence and pride among women entrepreneurs.
The event presented a vibrant array of handcrafted products, from homemade papad and chakali chivda to scented candles, eco-friendly bags, and Ayurvedic hair oils. Each product narrated a story of dedication, passion, and resilience. Women from diverse backgrounds participated, bringing forward the richness of India’s cultural heritage and the power of grassroots entrepreneurship.
Inspiring Ventures
One such inspiring entrepreneur was Kalyani, the creator of Avani Hair Oil. Frustrated with chemical-laden hair products, she turned to traditional herbal blends, formulating a nourishing solution for stronger, healthier hair. Today, her business empowers women to embrace natural beauty and self-care with confidence.
Similarly, Kavita, the founder of Utkarsh Bags, turned her passion for craftsmanship into a thriving business. Her eco-friendly, stylish, and durable bags represent the fusion of sustainability and fashion. Each stitch in her creations carries a message of empowerment, proving that entrepreneurship can uplift not just individuals but entire communities.
Pooja Karwa’s venture, Traditional Charkha, is a testament to reviving India’s rich weaving heritage. By working with rural artisans, she preserves the age-old art of hand-spun weaving while creating sustainable livelihoods. Her brand is a bridge between tradition and modern sustainability.
Taking an innovative approach to jewelry, Bhagyashree crafts Cloth Earrings, a stunning blend of style and eco-consciousness. Her handcrafted fabric jewelry repurposes fabric scraps into fashionable accessories, demonstrating that sustainability and elegance can go hand in hand.
Food entrepreneur Kalpana Jadhav, the face behind Jadhav Masale, brings the flavors of tradition into every home. Her handcrafted spice blends preserve the essence of Indian culinary heritage while empowering women through employment and financial independence.
Meanwhile, Sandhya Sarode’s venture in Fragrant Candles & Resin Art illuminates spaces with warmth and creativity. Her beautifully designed candles and resin artwork transform ordinary materials into elegant, artistic expressions, making every home a sanctuary of light and tranquility.
Over the two-day exhibition, the participating entrepreneurs saw remarkable success. Sales figures ranged from ₹5,000 to ₹18,000, demonstrating the demand for handcrafted and unique products. Many first-time stall owners experienced overwhelming appreciation from visitors, further motivating them to continue their entrepreneurial journeys.
Among the new entrepreneurs, Teju Punekar’s Narayani Arts stood out as a brand that champions identity and empowerment. As an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, Teju’s handcrafted art pieces reflect resilience and creativity, transforming passion into purpose.
Another remarkable success story was Ruchi Food Products, a newly launched homemade food brand. Within two days, they achieved ₹7,000 in sales, an incredible milestone for a first-time participant. The owner expressed immense gratitude, saying, “This was a fantastic opportunity to introduce our products to the public. The support we received exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to growing further.”
For many women entrepreneurs, this event was their first exposure to direct customer interaction and real-time business transactions. “It was an exhilarating experience to see people appreciate our work and purchase our handmade products. This exhibition has given us the confidence to dream bigger,” shared one of the participants.
The exhibition wasn’t just a marketplace; it was a celebration of women’s strength, creativity, and resilience. More than a sales event, it was a launchpad for economic empowerment, allowing women from diverse backgrounds to take pride in their skills and gain financial independence.
Another standout participant was Pratiksha Punekar, whose brand, Papad and Pickles, blends culinary tradition with entrepreneurship. As an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, Pratiksha’s venture is a powerful statement of self-reliance and heritage. Each jar of pickles and packet of papad carries the essence of home-cooked goodness, proving that food has the power to connect and empower.
The Impact of Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
YouthAid Foundation Pune’s initiative continues to pave the way for economic empowerment, fostering an ecosystem where women-led businesses can thrive. As the event concluded, it was evident that these women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses—they are shaping a future where economic independence and social change go hand in hand. Thank you to Coforge and CreatiCity for joining forces with us on this game-changing initiative. ( the author is the coordinator, YouthAid Foundation)
